What is the formula of Barium Chloride?

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Multiple Choice

What is the formula of Barium Chloride?

Explanation:
In ionic compounds, the formula shows the smallest whole-number ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge to zero. Barium forms a 2+ ion (Ba2+), while chloride forms a 1− ion (Cl−). To cancel the +2 charge from one Ba2+, you need two Cl− ions, giving a total of −2. This makes the compound neutral: BaCl2. The other formulas wouldn’t balance charges to zero. For example, BaCl would leave an unbalanced positive charge (+1 overall), Ba2Cl would also be unbalanced, and Ba2Cl3 would leave a net positive charge.

In ionic compounds, the formula shows the smallest whole-number ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge to zero. Barium forms a 2+ ion (Ba2+), while chloride forms a 1− ion (Cl−). To cancel the +2 charge from one Ba2+, you need two Cl− ions, giving a total of −2. This makes the compound neutral: BaCl2.

The other formulas wouldn’t balance charges to zero. For example, BaCl would leave an unbalanced positive charge (+1 overall), Ba2Cl would also be unbalanced, and Ba2Cl3 would leave a net positive charge.

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